Van Gets Onto Runway At JFK

[Ari707]

WNBC-TV
10:44 p.m. EDT May 10, 2007
NEW YORK - A passenger van was discovered driving amid the restricted aviation area inside Kennedy Airport after a security guard apparently mistakenly waved the vehicle through. Port Authority police discovered the van driving unescorted in and around airplanes around 7:30 Thursday night. The driver and passengers were taken in for questioning and police released them after determining there was no link to terrorism and that they meant no harm.

Investigators now want to know why security apparently failed, that the guard allowed a vehicle through a security fencer leading to planes and the runway. A spokesman for the Port Authority did not return calls for comment.

WNBC.com is told the guard may even have inspected the vehicle before waving it through, not realizing the van was an unauthorized vehicle.

[RDU-JFK]

I'm sure they meant no harm, but why would non-airport personnel willingly drive around JFK's tarmac? In this age of terrorism wouldn't someone be smart enough to realize...wait a minute, I'm about to drive amongst aircraft. Maybe I should pull over before I drive on an active taxiway!!!

[stuart schechter]

They were training their kid to drive! It's New Yorks biggest parking lot.

[PhilDernerJr]

Several of the guard psots at JFK are right off of main roads. I regularly see vehicles accidentally going down a wrong road (peopel always get lost at airports) and havint ot make a u-turn when seeing the guard psot.

Also keep in mind that a guard post can look a lot like a toll plaza for a parking garage, etc.

I agree it sounds weird, but I can see why the driver made the mistake.

As for the guard post, I'm surprised. security is usually pretty good, with guards checking various menas of identification and what-have-you to make sure you are supposed to be going.

[tsnamm]

I wonder which post let him in???if you don't have PONY plates they're NEVER supposed to let you in...even when they're scratched or the stickers are messed up on dollies and carts they try and call PA police and give you a BOR...I'm sure this guy is fired for sure...

[Matt Molnar]

I blame Neeleman. :(

[tsnamm]

plus no Port ID badge...I mean what did they even check? I f someone is going to escort you that person and company has to sign them in with the Post, and have escort privileges...like I said whoever did this must be fired...